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AmCham France event June 17 on Innovation and Competitiveness
The American Chamber of Commerce in France has regular events with high profile speakers about different global business subjects.
On June 17 from 5:30 to 7pm, they are organizing the following event on Innovation and Competitiveness. The speaker will be Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE, and the conference will be presided by Maurice Levy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe.
Registration required by June 12. All info can be found here.
Innovation et compétitivité : une question d’horizon
17 jun 2013, 17h30 – 19h
Subject : Conférence avec Jeff IMMELT – Chairman of the Board & CEO de General Electric. Animée par Maurice LEVY, Chairman and CEO de Publicis Groupe et Président du Directoire Innovation et compétitivité : une question d’horizon
Speakers : Jeff Immelt – Chairman of the Board & CEO de General Electric Maurice Levy- Chairman & CEO de Publicis Groupe et Président du Directoire
Participants : All members
Location : Pavillon Ledoyen – 1 avenue Dutuit 75008 ParisClara Gaymard, Présidente de l’ American Chamber of Commerce in France et Jean Luc Allavena, Président de la French-American Foundation France ont le plaisir de vous convier à la conférence de
Jeff Immelt
Chairman of the Board & CEO de General Electric
sur le thème : “Innovation et compétitivité : une question d’horizon”Animée par
Maurice Levy
Chairman & CEO de Publicis Groupe et Président du Directoire
La conférence sera suivie d’un cocktail
Veuillez noter que la conférence se tiendra en anglais
Make a reservation (by June 12).
European American Chamber of Commerce event in Lyon 4/16
The European American Chamber of Commerce, Lyon chapter, is a part of a network organization that facilitates business and best practices between the US and France. It has chapters in Paris, Lyon, Boston, Cincinnati, New Jersey, New York and a partner in Italy.
They hold conferences and events on business-related topics. On April 16th, they’ll be holding a talk on ETI size companies. The event details are below. RSVP required.
Happy networking!
EACC & KPMG present:
Focus on ETIs,
Intermediate sized companiesEurope counts over 30,000 ETIs – an intermediate category between small and medium enterprises and large companies, more than 3,000 of which are in France, where they are considered to be an essential driver of economic growth.
Speaker: Sara Righenzi de Villers, Expert comptable Commissaire aux Comptes, KPMG
Who are they?
How do they resist the effects of the current economic crisis?
What are their challenges?
What are their key growth drivers?Tuesday 16 April 2013
from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
KPMG, 51 rue de St Cyr 69009 LYON6:30pm to 7:00pm – Welcome cocktail
7:00pm to 8:00pm – Presentation and Q&A
8:00pm to 8:30pm – Networking cocktail
How attractive is France’s investment environment?
The French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) posted the following summary of a report recently carried out by consulting and accounting firm KPMG.
The full report is available here, entitled “Facts & Figures on France’s Investment Attractiveness”.
Probably a good idea to check out other resources as well.
There is an interesting report by The Economist in their “The World in 2013″ edition that highlights the likely challenges facing President Hollande’s administration in the next year including the difficulty in encouraging business growth and more investment.
While France remains a country that retains an attractive profile, there is a real risk that increasing taxes and a morose business climate could take hold and hamper growth in 2013. So although France has a lot to offer, it must make progress to improve the business climate and decrease unemployment. It’s not an easy time for Europe, and France will not be an exception. But as the adage goes, “no pain, no gain”.
From: Invest in France Agency
In the competition with other European countries to attract inward investment projects, France boasts a number of key strengths underpinning its investment attractiveness.
These advantages include:
- A large, dynamic market in Europe.
- A skilled, productive workforce.
- Recognized support to foster innovation.
- A plentiful supply of commercial real estate.
- Dense, high-quality transport infrastructure.
- High-quality energy and telecommunications at competitive rates.
- Renowned quality of life.According to KPMG’s “Competitive Alternatives” biennial guide to business costs in over 100 cities in nine different countries, France stands out for having particularly attractive business setup costs, comprising labor costs, facility costs, transport, utility costs (electricity, natural gas, telecommunications) and corporate tax. In the 2012 edition, France was ranked fourth among the countries compared, up two places from sixth in the previous rankings (2010).
The Economist’s France 14-page special report
The Economist this week has a 14-page special report this week in its print edition that focuses on France, from its economy to politics, under the central theme of how economic structural reform is necessary in order to avoid a “time bomb” going off at the heart of the Eurozone. You can access the Nov. 17, 2012 print edition contents here. The leader article introducing the special report is here, and the special report link can be found at the table of contents site under “Special report: France” (there are 8 articles).
I’m delving into all this right now and encourage you to do the same. Even if you don’t agree with the magazine’s analysis, it is a highly-regarded publication for a reason: for asking important questions.
This is the not the first time the British news magazine has waxed poetic about France’s economic woes and potential for growth. Indeed, French economic and business paper Les Echos puts past covers and stories into perspective (in French).
What do you think are France’s biggest problems and do you think Hollande and Ayrault’s government can solve them?
Paris Power Networking on entrepreneurship March 13
Hi everyone, I’m back after an absence. I know you missed me!
There is a very interesting event coming up to learn more about entrepreneurship while networking with fellow professionals in a great setting in Paris. I’ve been to several Paris Power Networking events and know the directors Fabien and Géraldine. Fantastic people, fantastic organization.
Registration required. Sign-up information and detailed information are below, and available on their website.
Happy networking!
“SUCCESS FORUM: ENTREPRENEURIAL ROUNDTABLE”
Peer Group Brainstorming Session to Promote and Support Entrepreneurial Endeavors
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:30pmLocation: 1st Avenue Restaurant & Bar, facing 119-121 Boulevard Pereire, 75017 Paris: MAP
REGISTRATION: €30 FOR GUESTS / €15 FOR MEMBERS (Select “Member Discount”)
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:
In its effort to support entrepreneurial success, Power Networking is proud to introduce the popular “Success Forum Series” to the Paris community: an exclusive platform for CEOs, Start-Ups and Investors to meet and share valuable expertise in a highly creative environment.
Brainstorm with business owners, entrepreneurs, financiers, legal and I.T. specialists
Every participant will walk away with new ideas, contacts and business opportunities
Meet Fabien Bertault, Founder and CEO of Power Networking
Congratulations “Baby Plume” for being selected as the Empowered Business on March 13!
Interviews with American expats in France: cultural perspective
Bonjour!
I was recently interviewed by Margarita Gokun Silver, MPH, CPCC, PNLP at her site here (article below). I sought to explain my story and provide a little does of cultural insight into living in France based on my experiences.
My fellow expat in France, Lindsey, was also interviewed about doing business in France as she started her own company, Lola’s Cookies, selling cookies. You can find that article here.
I invite you to leave your own cultural perspectives in the comments section below.
An American in France
Posted on December 5, 2011There have been quite a few famous Americans (and other expats) in history that decided to either settle or live in France for long periods of time. Today many follow their example and in this blog post we interview Michael Barrett, an American who is now living in France.
Global Coach Center (GCC): How long have you lived in France and how did you come to live there?
Michael: I’ve lived in France now over four years in a row but longer than that over my lifetime. I lived in Paris as a baby and toddler for three years as my father worked here on assignment. My family always had an interest in France so it influenced my decision to study the language and culture in middle school, high school and then in college. My first trip back to France was with the French club of my high school in 2003. During my sophomore year (2nd year) at the University of Notre Dame, I studied abroad in Angers, France 2004-2005, where I lived with a French family, studied in French, traveled and made friends from all over the world. It motivated me to come back.
I followed that with an internship at Sciences Po Paris in 2006, and then after graduating in 2007, I moved to Lyon to be an English assistant. I met my French girlfriend there, pursued graduate studies in communications in Grenoble for two years, during which I worked at AmCham France. In July 2010 I was hired as a Digital Project Manager at New BBDO Paris, and advertising agency. I’ve been here ever since, and I also manage the site Americanexpatinfrance, write for several websites and am involved with the expatriate community while keeping a close group of French friends. I plan on applying for dual citizenship soon.
GCC: What do you love most about living in France?
Michael: My girlfriend, my French friends, the rich culture and gastronomy and history, the diversity of the regions and their characteristics… close proximity to other European countries. A generally balanced approach to life and work…their healthcare system –although it’s not perfect.
GCC: What frustrates you?
Michael: Generalizations about America and its culture, strikes, lack of convenience here (the US is a culture of convenience)…although I’ve gradually come to accept these cultural differences with the traditional French shrug of the shoulders. Every country has its own pros and cons.
GCC: What would you have liked to know that you didn’t before coming to live in France?
Michael: To know how to (try to) master the inner workings of the French civil service bureaucracy and its paperwork, implicit messages (not explicit) and assumptions that you know everything if you don’t ask a question. But I’ve learned how to manage that, too.
GCC: What are three tips you can give people planning to move to France?
Michael:
Learn the language and about the culture as well, as this will not only enrich you but also show a genuine willingness on your part to the French that you’re making an effort and reaching out.
On a related note, be open-minded. This is not America, and there will be some culture shock and things and approaches that are done differently. They have a different perspective here on many things, so approach it with curiosity and don’t be afraid to have friendly debate with French coworkers and friends (make French friends), as long as it’s not on taboo subjects (money, religion) – those are for closer friends usually.
Take a look at practical matters in detail – education, healthcare, taxes, driving regulations, housing – hopefully your employer or organization can help you with these matters. Better to be well prepared than land here and figure out as you go along. That can add to frustration. I’d be happy to advise on questions or refer you to an expert in a field that I don’t master as well.
Again in innovation, French companies score high marks
It must be innovation week…
In another poll on innovation (Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovators), France has 11 companies on the list (the 3rd most behind Japan with 27 and America with 40). The brilliant chaps over at The Economist have a nice article on this, below here for easy reading (France boldfaced for emphasis on my part).
Where innovation lies
Nov 16th 2011, 16:54 by The Economist onlineWhere are the world’s most innovative companies and what do they do?
Companies that make semiconductors and other electronic components are collectively the most innovative industry, according to an analysis of patents carried out by Thomson Reuters, an information-services provider. Its “Top 100 Global Innovators” report rates companies by the proportion of their patent applications that are granted; the number of “quadrilateral” patents (those granted in China, Europe, Japan and America); how often patents are cited by other companies; and whether patents relate to new techniques or inventions or are refinements of existing ones. This approach is intended to overcome the limitations of using the number of patents filed or granted as a measure of innovation. Of the 100 companies in the list, which is not ranked and relates to patent activity from 2005-2010, 40 are from America, 27 from Japan and 11 from France. No Chinese companies qualified. The report says this “underscores the fact that although China is leading the world in patent volume, quantity does not equate to influence and quality.”
Will France be the next market downgrade?
As most of you have seen in recent days, world stock markets have been manic depressive, going through ups and mostly downs due in large part to widespread worries that the US debt downgrade from S&P and the fiscal debt in countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain will result in worse market conditions for investors.
My other sovereign’s an AAA (The Economist)
There was a market backlash against French debt and enormous market losses for French banks like Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole (exposed to Greek debt and other European sovereign debt) that is making investors increasingly anxious about France’s debt. Indeed as The Economist writes:
“France’s debt stood at 82% of GDP last year, from 64% in 2007. This is one of the highest of any AAA-rated country. That, investors fear, means it could be the next target for a downgrade, especially if already anaemic economic growth falters further. The extra yield required by investors to hold French debt instead of German Bunds jumped to almost triple the average level of 2010 while the cost of insuring against a default by France reached new highs during the week.”
Moreover, as The Telegraph writes, “French banks have €410bn (£360bn) of exposure to Italy alone according to the Bank for International Settlements. The twin crises in France and Italy are now intimately linked and appear to be feeding on each other.”
How will France proceed? According to a great, in-depth Bloomberg interview (embedding not allowed) with Philippe D’Arvisenet, global chief economist at BNP Paribas SA, France initiating austerity measures is “inescapable”. They go on to discuss France’s exposure to European sovereign debt, reform plans to cut spending but keep tax rates at current levels (though with elimination of some 500 tax loopholes).
The same Telegraph article states, “French president Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered a “general mobilization” to slash France’s budget deficit in a frantic effort to safeguard the country’s AAA rating and head off a downgrade by Standard & Poor’s.”
We will see how this plays out…for now, the markets will likely continue to be manic depressive. Hang on tight!
I leave you with this passage from the Telegraph article:
“…Marchel Alexandrivich from Jefferies Fixed Income said investors are worried that the latest contagion to France could bring the eurozone’s bubbling problems to a head in a dramatic fashion.
“If France is dragged into the problem, then we will hit crisis point. They will either have to move to a full-blown eurobond — and German politicians are set against that — or face a break-up. There is a significant chance that the euro will no longer exist in its current form within twelve months,” he said.
President Sarkozy said France would include a “golden rule” in its constitution to restore fiscal probity, adding that the fiscal targets for 2011 and 2012 were “untouchable”.The new budget measures will be introduced on August 24 and are expected to include the closure of 500 tax loopholes.
The IMF said France has the highest debt ratio of any AAA state this year at 85pc of GDP and may have to tighten further next year. Like the US, France has also built up huge pension debt and contingent liabilities.”
Christine Lagarde elected head of IMF: American reaction
BBC/AFP: Christine Lagarde will start her five-year term at the IMF on 5 July
As former French Finance Minister has been named IMF head, effective July 5th, and François Baroin has been named her replacement, Le Figaro has an interesting article on Christine Lagarde from an American perspective, as well as a longer article into her path that lead her to Washington.
Meanwhile, she appeared in 2009 on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Check it out here.
Defining Franco-American commercial relations
The new President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC), Elsa Berry, was recently interviewed by French business daily Les Echos on Franco-American business relations.
You can read the article and more on the FACC Chicago website (excerpt below describing the article, with link to article at bottom, in French):
Les Echos Speaks to Ms. Elsa Berry Concerning French-American Relations
Elsa Berry, nouvelle présidente de la Chambre de commerce franco-américaine, souhaite favoriser un accroissement des relations entre les Etats-Unis et la France. Ces relations sont déjà basées sur la coopération, y compris politique et militaire. Pourtant, selon Elsa Berry, “Il existe de multiples opportunités de communication et d’échanges.” Vous pouvez dècouvrir les objectifs annoncés de la présidente de la Chambre de commerce franco-américaine dans cet entretien publié le 6 juin dans Les Echos.
Read the full article in Les Echos here.
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